A partnership between The National Museum of African American Music and the philanthropic arm of the Country Music will bring the museum’s collaborative project, Music Legends & Heroes, to select high schools within Metro Nashville Public Schools.

The focus is on teaching students about the impact of African-Americans on music and songwriting, and will allow students to take a leadership role in organizing and implementing a live virtual performance element at their schools. Several country artists—BRELAND, Willie Jones, Reyna Roberts and Tiera—will mentor students.

“NMAAM and the CMA Foundation have long shared the same mission of supporting Nashville schools through extensive music education and programs, so this partnership was a natural fit,” says Tamar Smithers, NMAAM Director of Education and Public Programs. “Through our Museum Without Walls program, NMAAM has already reached more than 132,000 individuals through our programming, and we hope this is just the beginning of our work with the CMA Foundation to share our message across the city.”

Music Legends & Heroes will conclude in June with a songwriting contest for participants to write a song with their class based on Black history and Black musicians, artists or activists. The program is expected to reach more than 200 students across Nashville.

Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said, “NMAAM’s mission to educate the world, preserve the legacy and celebrate the role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack goes beyond any single genre. We are delighted to work alongside Henry Hicks and his team on the Music Legends & Heroes program, which will provide students the opportunity to learn about all genres of music.”